Unduk Ngadau helped me come out of my shell — Sherry
BEAUTY pageants are, of course, very much about how you look on the outside - even for a traditional pageant like Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan.
But for Kadazan lass Sherry Anne Laujang, 21, from Penampang, her participation in Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan has changed who she is on the inside as well.
Described as a shy girl by her father Christopher Evaritus Laujang, Sherry was nudged by him to participate at the district level after about two weeks of ‘negotiations’.
Sherry doubted herself and figured she would not win, as she is not used to standing in front of a big audience and becoming an attraction - but she did. Then she won another.
She is now the reigning queen for the state-level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan, the longest traditional beauty pageant in the world.
“Unduk Ngadau has helped me come out of my shell. The pageant taught me how to express and find all the beautiful qualities in myself that every young girl has.
“I am still shy talking to people, but I guess my parents are right about why I should now learn how to improve my communication skills. I am now attached to the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) as an ambassador to promote our rich heritage to the public.
“I hope that Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan will continue to inspire more young Kadazan, Dusun and Murut girls to learn more about our culture, especially in understanding and talking in their native tongue,” she said to The Borneo Post, in an, exclusive interview at her parents residence in Kampung Ramayah.
Sherry, who just completed her Diploma in Accountancy from UiTM Sabah Campus, is currently working as an accounting clerk while waiting for an offer to pursue a degree.
She has applied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy at UiTM, but is now considering Asian Tourism International (ATI) College and HELP University the main sponsors for the pageant this year.
“I will check whether both ATI College and HELP are offering degree in accountancy, because getting a scholarship is what I’ve always wanted.
“Although I have to follow all the activities scheduled by KDCA, my main priority is actually to complete my degree. I believe education is very important, and holding this title will give me the opportunity to spread the awareness of the importance of education to the native women,” she added.
Sherry, who was crowned as Sabah Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan on May 31 at Hongkod Koisaan, may be a quiet and shy type of girl, but she has pageant blood in her veins, being the sister of Unduk Ngadau Penampang 2012, who was also the Unduk Ngadau Putatan 2014, Samantha Sharon Laujang.
Her mother, Florence J. Underwood, also had experience in the Unduk Ngadau competition in the 1980s.
Both Samantha and Florence were the ‘coaches’ who trained her how to walk and answer questions.
“It was hard at first, but Sherry slowly improved, especially the walking part.
“I was very proud looking at her on the stage, and I had the feeling that she could win. I had the experience to compete at the state level, so I know how stressful it was to be the centre of attraction of thousands of eyes.
“Having the ability to talk in Kadazan, answering the question with points and elaborations, walk proudly in the Kadazan costume called ‘Sinuangga’, she has the complete package to win the title, and I am so proud of her, and I am positive that she would carry the title with pride and responsibility,” said Samantha, who is currently doing her degree in the same university as Sherry.
As for Florence, although she hoped her daughter could win the pageant, the main purpose of pushing Sherry was to give her experience.
At home, Sherry is the chef. She cooks for lunch and dinner, and even bakes cakes for her siblings’ birthdays.
“My husband and I love her Bread Crumbs Chicken. She is really good at cooking, but her communication skills definitely need improvement because she is always shy when it comes to talking to people.
“So when my husband said we should register her for the district level Unduk Ngadau, I supported him. Sherry was not happy with it at first, but when Samantha gave her a few tips, she then started to learn the walking part,” said Florence.
During the training sessions, Florence said Samantha did a very good job teaching Sherry the Unduk Ngadau walk, while the youngest son, Nigel Paul helped in preparing the music.
Support from parents and siblings was clearly one of the factors resulting in Sherry’s win.
For Christopher, his second daughter was away from home for about two weeks for the pageant and it made him miss her cooking.
After the registration of the state-level Unduk Ngadau on May 27, she was not home. After the crowning ceremony, the state committee brought her with the Top 7 to Kuala Lumpur for Kaamatan national level celebration.
“I hope she can rest for today, and cook my favourite Bread Crumbs Chicken tonight for dinner,” said Christopher jokingly, concluding the interview. Natachka